Record highs have fallen over the past week across the west coast as a weeks-long heat wave engulfs the region, breaking historic numbers across California, Oregon and Washington.
Highs 10 to 20 degrees hotter than average have cooked the state this past week with temperatures expected to settle below the 110 degree mark this next week, according to The Weather Channel meteorologists.
The upper ridge is sliding eastward and it won’t be as hot for the west coast as the heat wave moves into the Rockies and Plains, officials predict.
As the heat continues, cooling centers across the tri-county area remain open.
In Tehama County the cooling centers are located at the Red Bluff Community Center, P.A.T.H. Navigation Center in Red Bluff and in Tehama County Libraries in Corning, Cottonwood, Red Bluff and Los Molinos. The Trax and Para Trax Bus System is also providing air-conditioned transportation countywide.
Cooling Centers in Glenn County are at the Bayliss, Elk Creek, Hamilton City, Orland and Willows public libraries and at Glenn County Public Health in Willows.
In Colusa County, when the temperature is above 100 degrees the Colusa County Health and Human Services hosts a cooling center at the Colusa Library.
City pools are another alternative as a place to stay cool.
Tehama County Health Services Agency (TCHSA) reminds residents that heat illness is caused by high temperatures, with four common types – heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with degrees of illness ranging from mild to several.
Heat stroke can lead to death.
Health authorities are asking residents to be sure and check on family members and friends – especially the young and elderly.
Always stay hydrated, limit time in the heat and stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
TCHSA provides the following heat-related advise:
– Know the signs of heat exhaustion – including dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headache and weakness. If these symptoms are encountered, move to a cool place, cool down by using wet cloths or taking a cool bath, and drink plenty of water.
– Know the signs of heat stroke – heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include high body temperature, a fast, strong pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, dizziness and losing consciousness. Call 911, move the person to a cooler place and help lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool batch, but do not give them anything to drink. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html
– Stay hydrated. Do not wait until thirsty to drink water. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
CalTrans offers the following tips for travelers:
– Never leave a child or pet in a hot vehicle.
– Summertime is construction time for many roadway projects. Allot extra time for delays and drive slowly and carefully in and around work zones.
– Make sure vehicles are in good running condition. Check tires and fluids and have a full tank of gas.
– Watch vehicle lights and gauges. If the temperature gauge is moving up, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater to help draw heat away from the engine.
– If the temperature gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road, well away from traffic. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle. DO NOT attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
– Do not park a hot vehicle on dry vegetation. If you are towing, make sure the connection is tight and that no cables are dragging on the ground.
– Properly dispose of cigarette butts, never throw them out the window or on the ground.
– Carry water, snacks, a first aid kit, a charged cell phone, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat.
– Check road conditions before you go at QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot., or at One-Stop-Shop: http://oss., and Caltrans District 2 website: https://dot.ca.gov/
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